Internal Diseases:
Women's Conditions:
Men's Conditions:
Children's Conditions:
Addictions:
Remember this list is not by any means complete as it would be impossible to write a definitive list of what acupuncture can treat and there is not always a medical label for every problem. If you don't find what you're looking for on the list please feel free to ask your local acupuncturist!
]]>Spring is the time that the Liver and gallbladder may be more reactive due to pollens, allergens, and an overload of toxins. However, this is also the season that these organs are most accessible and responsive to treatments. If your health is challenged with skin disorders, allergies, headaches, high stress, anger and irritability, depression, being unable to follow through with plans and goals, lacking direction, PMS, or low energy, then your body is communicating that it needs liver support and cleansing.
It’s possible learn so much about the healing and the body by just observing Nature. In the winter, plants die and animals put on their winter coats. Humans also mirror this as we, too, slow down, put on weight, and hibernate more, so to speak. During this time of year, all energies are conserved, turned inwards, and the body attempts to retain energy and weight as a simple response to nature. In the spring, buds emerge little by little, and show their colors to the world. They are tender, yet unstoppable. All the earth jumps from death to life, and moves from its deep center towards the light of Sun. Likewise, we too can sense our energies stirring, wanting to move, wanting to be outside. It is because of this outward, expansive energy movement that spring is a wonderful time of year to cleanse. The body is ready to stir and to move the winter’s heaviness outwards. For humans, this is a perfect time to do two things: Release and Express. Because of the outward moving, expansive energy of the season, we are primed to move stagnant, heavy, un-useful, sluggish ways out of our bodies and lives. Once we do this, we are freed up to start over, grow freshly, heal, create, and share our new blossoms with the world.
]]> The wood element is comprised of the liver and gallbladder, emotions of anger and frustration, kindness and gentleness, eyes and sight, warrior energy, being flexible or constricted, boundary issues. Spring is the time of year of the Wood element, meaning that during this season, all of these organs, qualities, emotions will be more present, more prominent, and will either need extra support or will feel healthy and vibrant.Spiritually, spring and the wood element both relate to the Visionary, the Seer. When healthy and balanced, we are able to rise above the constraints of the world and see the whole picture. We are able to see all that is needed for our emotional and spiritual growth, and are able to carry these goals and vision out to the world. When we are aligned, we are able to hold the vision, and take the grounded, necessary steps to accomplish that vision. Our goals are clear and our direction is sharp.
If the Liver or Gallbladder is out of balance, stagnant, or overloaded with toxins, the emotions that are prone to express themselves can be ones of frustration, irritability, short temperedness, and anger. We can help harmonize these discomforts by cultivating kindness and gentleness and by nourishing our bodies with movement, a healthy diet plentiful in greens, cleansing, Yoga, breathing and hiking in the green outdoors.
Chinese Medicine teaches that we learn how to be in harmony within when we can mirror Mother Nature. The spring season is a time to establish our roots, or re-place them into healthy soil. It is our time to bud and blossom. It is time to express our true nature outwards. When our bodies, emotions and spirits are in balance, we are more in harmony with the earth, and are able to tune in to the medicine that each season brings.
This spring, may we all support ourselves to cleanse, be in action, release what has been stored all winter, express our gifts outward, generate our warrior spirit, practice kindness, gentleness, creativity, healthy expression, and be as the budding flowers on the flexible tree of life.
Lettuce, Watercress, Endive, Turnip, Celery, Alfalpha, Nettles tea
Rye, Oats, Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet, Barley
Seaweeds, Miso, Soy
If your body is more the COLD type: Cloves, Fenugreek, Anise seeds, Ginger, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Onion, Walnuts, Black beans, Lamb, Trout, Salmon
If your body is more the HOT type, (esp menopausal hot flashes at night):
Millet, Barley, Tofu, String bean, Mung bean, Water chestnut, Blackberry, Seaweeds, Black sesame seeds, Spirulina, Eggs, Sardines, Crab, Pork
WINTER SUNSHINE SOUP:
1 cup yellow split peas, soaked
2 quarts water
1 5-inch piece of Kombu seaweed, soaked
1/2 – 1 onion, chopped
2 carrots (cut into flowers)
1 cup winter squash, diced
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
Miso to taste (use paste version)
Winter symbolizes a holding. It is a time of holding for our bodies, as we, and all the animals, retain an extra layer to keep warm. This holding also symbolizes the gestation that occurs within our beings as we dive deeper into the communication from our souls. Water can also symbolize the Dark night of Soul,... a time when we are called to step into and embrace the Mystery of Life; to dance with the unknown, and courageously trust that we will again step into Light and certainty. Thus, Winter is the best time of year to dive inward, face our deepest fears, summon our greatest courage, and examine our inner most selves.
]]> The Water Element is represented by Blue, Groaning, Fear and Courage, and the Philosopher Archetype. The incredible power of water…flows to the deepest point possible…it hides in the deepest crevices,... it formed the Grand Canyon.
The water within us loves to know and understand things, loves solitude, and, if balanced, knows how to restore ourselves with quiet serenity. Courage, Will and Determination are also best cultivated in winter time and are a very important qualities that are either well nourished or lacking most during this season.
Physically, the Water Element and Winter are associated with the Kidney and Bladder system, bones, ears, teeth, cold, and Jing, which is the foundational essence of the entire body and the source of longevity. To unify with winter, one emphasizes the Yin principle to become more receptive, introspective, and storage-oriented to retain physical energy. A time to restore the body, mind, and spirit and dive into the depths of who we are, winter nudges us to rest, sleep longer, meditate deeply, and refine the spiritual essence.
In the solace and depth of Water we find our strength, our renewal, and our rejeuvenation. The winter provides an undeniable suggestion from the earth itself to move inwards, rest, restore, to accept darkness and hibernate within ourselves. To honor this natural cycle is to recharge the battery pack that generates energy, fire, and stamina for the year to come; for the body and soul. As we embrace the depth and solitude of the season and of ourselves, we also cultivate the energy to burst forth in the spring to come. In the dormant seed of darkness lies the promise of spring, new growth, and the outward expression of re-birth that awaits us at the end of the long winter.
]]>One of the most inspirational aspects of Chinese Medicine is discovering the connection between the seasons and their influence on specific organ systems, emotions, and spiritual qualities. As we begin to understand that the seasonal cycles of the Earth greatly impact our physical and emotional lives, as well as encourage certain aspects of our healing process, we are able to truly grasp the nuances and reflections of how our physical and emotional bodies bring subtle, yet clear communications from our spirit.
Fall is a time of harvest; a time of gathering up in preparation for winter. Seeds are ready for sowing and it is the beginning of a turning inward for reflection. Autumn is associated with the “Metal Element”, which is represented by the Alchemist archetype, as it is the most revolutionary of all of the five elements. It is characterized by expansion, contraction, and transformation on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
]]> The Metal element within is the part of us that seeks perfection of form and function. It is our inner disciplinarian and perfectionist. It is that which desires justice and is the defender of virtue, honor, principle, and moral values as well as art and beauty. The metal element is that which evokes inspiration, awe, and reverence; and hearing the voice of the metal element is a calling of ourselves back into sacredness. It brings forth a longing to find value and meaning in what we do; to know our purpose and who we are. It is the seeker within. It is the aspect of our being which possesses an unquenchable thirst for spirit and for true quality of life.In the physical body the metal element is associated with the lungs and the large intestine, (as well as the pertaining sense organs of the nose, throat, and skin). The expansion and contraction energy of these two organs is what joins them as a pair; both expanding and contracting; but one in a receiving manner and the other in a releasing capacity. The two united symbolize the action, function, and ability of “receiving, allowing, and letting go” physically and emotionally.
The Lungs are considered to be the Priest archetype and are the in charge of “receiving the pure Qi from the heavens”. They hold the rhythm of the body, allowing us to receive and let go by way of the breath. Through their in-breath, they bring that which is pure into our bodies, allowing life to be sustained. Through the gift of life, continued moment by moment, the lungs symbolize our connection to the divine. Throughout ancient and modern times - yoga, most meditation practices, and many healing and spiritual disciplines focus on the breath as a means of entering ecstatic states of divine connection, healing, and transformation. Thus, the lungs are our link between this realm and the spirit realm, and symbolize the life-giving divine breath within us.
The lungs also rule the exterior and protective energies of the body, guarding against invasion of the physical and energetic bodies, and playing a large part in the strength of our Immune system. (The skin is also said to be the third lung and is a reflection of lung and large intestine health and cleanliness. Likewise, the nose and throat are also considered components of the lungs and problems with any of these areas often suggests the need to work with the metal element.
The large Intestine is said to “leave us pure and brilliant”. Through its releasing nature it allows us let go of what is un-needed physically, allowing us to rid our bodies of unwanted waste materials and toxins. Yet, this organ is also connected to what we are able to let go of emotionally. One of the positive emotions associated with the Large intestine is forgiveness…in other words, are we able let go of our issues and move on with forgiveness? This is the question and suggestion that the large intestine brings to the autumn table. If we listen to the symbolic language that our body and soul communicate in, we can learn a great deal about ourselves. Symbolically speaking, the large intestine holds onto our true essence and releases impurities, helping us to let go of old, unnecessary habits, toxic emotions, and resistances. Through it’s action of physically releasing wastes and toxins, it represents our capacity to let go, release, forgive, and ‘move on’ to what is physically and emotionally more pure.
The emotional qualities associated with this season and these two organ systems are sadness, grief, self-righteousness, strength, courage, forgiveness, and purity. When sadness is present in our lives it affects the health and strength of the lungs. Conversely, when our lungs are compromised due to colds, flu’s, chronic ailments and smoking habits, they can also generate feelings of sadness and attachment. Similarly, when we have difficulty letting go of things emotionally the large intestine can be affected and present with symptoms such as constipation or pain in order to reflect the need for letting go on many levels.
Possible emotional and physical signs of an imbalanced metal element are the following: inability to shake grief; difficulty letting go of habits, belongings, suppressed emotions, old relationships; blocked energies in the throat chakra and difficulty speaking one’s truth, not wanting to open, reveal or talk; cold and cutting emotional responses, lack of inspiration, asthma, smoking habits, skin problems, constipation, frequent colds, nasal and throat disorders, allergies, dry skin, throat, intestines, emotions; pneumonia, sadness, depression, attachment and addiction, crying a lot.
Fall is the perfect time to nourish the Metal element, as this is the time when it is most vulnerable to the dryness and cold of the season. During autumn, the lungs are most easily put out of balance, are susceptible to colds and immune system deficiencies; and the large intestine can become dry easily, thus affecting the digestive aspect of the metal element. Similarly, one notices the influence of autumn on the pertaining sense organs by the extra dryness of the skin, nose, and throat that often accompany the change in season. Emotionally, feelings of sadness and grief, depression, nostalgia, and un-processed emotions often present themselves during this time of year in order to facilitate the harvesting of the year’s fruits, lessons, and reflections.
These particular organs, emotions, spiritual aspects are most vulnerably influenced at this time, and yet they also respond particularly well to this season with ability to alchemically transform. All physical and emotional qualities that have been discussed above, while possibly being exacerbated in autumn, are also best treated in the fall because the metal element, while being easily put off balance, can also be well strengthened and deeply cultivated in its autumn homeland. Fall weaves itself throughout all aspects of our physical and spiritual beings. The health or disharmony of the lungs and large intestine; sad, weepy days; reflections on what no longer serves us; the desire to find inspiration; yearning for sacredness and meaning….all of these are potentially aroused during the fall …all of these are at home in the fall…and can be healed most deeply…and most alchemically - during the fall.
During this season, support the lungs by incorporating more Yoga, Qi- Gong, or even just taking a few extra deep breaths throughout the day. If you have an acupuncturist, this is a great time of year to receive treatments to tonify the lungs or cleanse the large intestine. Nutritionally, this can be done by adding protective and purifying foods to the diet. This includes pungent foods, (especially white pungents, such as onion, garlic, chive,) turnip, ginger, radish, daikon root; dark leafy greens, such as kale, broccoli, chard, and spinach; golden, orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, yams; seaweeds and fiber; oats, rice, amaranth, quinoa.
As the leaves turn dry and fall silently to the ground to await the depths of winter, so we can learn from the Mother around us. It is a time of turning inward; a time to gather what is good, healthy, abundant and pure to our centers; a time to let go of what no longer serves us well and release what holds us back. It is a great time of year to check in with ourselves regarding forgiveness, boundaries, non-attachment, our purpose, letting go, transformation. It is a natural time to receive what is pure and sacred from the heavens while giving up the heaviness to the earth through the dance of embracing two polar-opposite energies - receiving and releasing. As we step onto the harvest field of this coming season, may we acknowledge the voices from our spirits that we find in our emotions and bodies. May we be inspired to reflect, cultivate discipline, and artistic expression; may we contract into our depths and expand into the purity of our beings; may we exercise the alchemy of transformation, by treasuring what is truly sacred in our lives and hearts.
Carrie Skye Fischer
]]>Understanding how acupuncture can induce labor:
Acupuncture is different than western induction drugs. It is an alternative to Pitocin, yet acts in a very different way. First lets look at Pitocin. Pitocin creates an immediate reaction which begins labor whether the mother’s body and baby are ready or not. Contractions start almost instantly with pitocin in labor induction, making it an extremely predictable drug. However, the effects of pitocin on children are not fully known. Possible side effects for the mother have been reported to include:
#1 - My first acupuncture induced labor – Observation Clinic with Dr. Daniel Diamond:
I mentioned that for some women, acupuncture induction can create a significant reaction in the women being treated. The first time I ever witnessed acupuncture to induce labor was in an acupuncture techniques class. My teacher, Daniel Diamond, was looking for a subject to discuss for the evening. One of my classmates was a day overdue for her child’s birth and decided to be the volunteer for the day’s discussion rounds. Needles were inserted in the hands and feet with electro-stimulation set to mild (many practitioners use electro-stimulation for inducing labor. I do not as I have not found it necessary, however, it is safe and effective as the levels are set to very low and the electricity is not allowed to pass through the uterus). Within five minutes my classmate, the women being treated, started to have contractions. She packed up her bags in the middle of class and left the classroom to give birth to her child within five hours of the end of class.
#2 - My first time inducing labor with acupuncture:
Sarah, a 20 year old women came into my clinic complaining of being overdue for her delivery by one and a half weeks. She had already seen two other student acupuncturists who had both provided her with the textbook induction technique of four needles, one in each hand and foot, combined with electro-stimulation. I wanted to do something different. I sat down with her and talked about her pregnancy. Her partner paced around in the background and when they communicated I sensed some tension. So, what to do? Acupressure induced labor…. In Acupuncture and Acupressure there are “pressure points” on top of the shoulders that can be stimulated to induce labor. Yes it is a wives tail if you have never seen it done (it will probably not work and can be categorized as myth), but it works if you know what you are doing and how to press the points. I had the patient sit in a chair and breath deep. As she exhaled I would follow the breath pushing into the point imagining the energy going into her feet. At the very bottom of her breath I noticed that her belly was coming up, almost contracting, instead of relaxing down with the exhale. I pointed this out to her and helped her relax all the way through the breath. She started to feel more relaxed and actually had a little small contraction. I then had her partner do the massage technique, and taught him how to press. To my amazement, her belly contracted up at the end of her breath twice as much as the first time when I had pressed down. I pointed this out to both of them and asked why she would be contracting against him. She broke down crying. She cried about her hesitations to bring the baby into the world without her partner’s support. He cried about not being ready to be a father but wanting to fill that role to the best of his ability. It was fairly amazing to witness as there had obviously been a barrier, which was now falling. After a few minutes of talking I had her lay down on the table and I put in some acupuncture points, which were different than the treatment she had already been receiving (Lv 8, Lv 2, LI 4, St 36, St 38). I also treated the partner to help him relax. Her contractions did not start on the table, but the baby began to kick immediately. She went into labor that evening and gave birth to a healthy baby before dawn.
#3 - Acupuncture Induction - The Case of The Anti-Induction:
In some instances I have used acupuncture to slow down contractions so the mother could sleep (her husband was an internal medical physician and had just gotten off of a very stressful 36 hour shift). Her contractions were too mild to be real labor, but enough to keep her awake. The more relaxed she became, the more intense the contractions. If she had stayed up, she would have gone into labor that evening. Her husband, however, was very tired and would not have made it through the night as an active supporter in the process. We used acupuncture to slow down the contractions and to help her calm down. She fell asleep and woke up with regular contractions. Her baby was delivered later that day.
In summary
Acupuncture can be an effective means to induce labor. I have seen it work time and time again. When compared to the possible side effects of pitocin on children and the known potential side effects for mothers it is clear that acupuncture should be our first line of induction. Acupuncture has no known side effects and as the needles do not come close to the abdomen, there is no potential negative side effect for the child. The down side is that the induction is not always an immediate process. In hospitals, the trend is to want to get women in and out of labor. A hospital bed is expensive and so is a physician’s time. If you or a friend you know is considering using acupuncture to induce labor, you should visit the acupuncturist prior to the seventh month and expect to begin treatments to induce the labor just before or after your due date. An experienced acupuncturist will know how close you are to going into labor and can give you a clear view of how long you can expect to wait for labor to begin.
Labor is a spiritual journey. When your spirit, the spirit of your child, and the spirit of the father are ready the birth will begin. Have patients and see the experience as the most amazing passage you will most likely have as a family. You are ushering a new life into this world. Breathe and observe every second with awe, love and hope for the new life. Using acupuncture to induce labor does not push you through the experience prematurely or too quickly. Acupuncture balances you and prepares you for the passage. Take a deep breath and say hello to a new life.
]]>He said that in all of the bulbs
Which we plug in the wall,
Suck the dark, so we can see it all,
Look at a fire, and see the smoke
And what it leaves behind is no joke
That black, sooted residue is concentrated black,
It is solid dark, before it comes back
So, remember what I say, and take heed,
Life is complex, not simple indeed.
On there own wings
they fly, dancing above,
but,
watching over all below
The pain of the imprisonment
Is often too much
Some forget their past
Stuck, lost
Others latch onto shadows,
And are reminded of that which created them,
We will only be,
When we are,
And how do we become?
By acting as we once were.
It is here, that ontological dreams
fill my flighty head, and
triviality
fades
away,
Waters wake and flow between mind and body,
A moment forever,
never to be lost,
always remembered
]]> The Second Perfect NightAs the cold winds whip, I shiver,..
Yet I am warm.
All around, an unspeakable beauty,
Ultimate peace fills my soul,...
Others come, and go, yet,
Only we remain.
Oh, what they have missed.
]]>Candida makes its home in our intestines. It is a yeast that feeds off of carbohydrates, antibiotics, and hormone pills we ingest. When in balance, the presence of Candida is not toxic. When not controlled by the presence of good bacteria and when fed an over abundance of sugar, Candida can become systemic and create chaos in the body. It is believed to create roots in the side of the intestines called mycelium as it grows, and if allowed to develop far enough, can create a syndrome known as leaky gut. With miniature holes in the intestines created by the mycelium, proteins are allowed to access the blood stream directly. The body soon develops allergies to whatever protean is ingested, and inflammatory disease follows. In our clinic we have seen Candida responsible for the symptoms of chronic fatigue, food allergies, eczema, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and many other diseases. As the Candida levels drop, the symptoms of the expressing disease improve. However, one of the nasty qualities that Candida possesses is that when it dies it releases toxins into the body. These toxins can often make whatever symptoms are presenting worse before they get better. The best test to see if Candida is involved is to begin therapy. If there is a reaction either way to the therapy then treating Candida is a good direction. If there is no reaction, then it is time to begin looking elsewhere for the problem.
For more information on Candida Home Remedies, visit our article: Yeast Infection Home Remedy, Candida Diet with Grapefruit Seed
]]>To help keep the blood sugar levels balanced I would recommend increasing the consumption of green leafy vegetables and protean. Digestive enzymes can play an important role in helping keep sugar cravings down especially when taken with well-rounded meals.
To these basic changes in diet I would also recommend adding in beneficial bacteria, often referred to as “Probiotics” to help balance the internal flora in your intestines. Often times simply adding in these bacteria alone can cause a chronic vaginal yeast infection to clear up in a matter of days. There are many forms of pro-biotics all of which can be found online and at your local health food store.
]]> Candida Diet with Grapefruit Seed:Beyond removing carbohydrates from the diet temporarily and removing simple sugars from the diet permanently, there are many other supplements that can be taken to help kill of an internal yeast infection. Of these, the best I have seen are Grapefruit Seed, Uva Ursi, Plant Tannins, Garlic, and a few other physician’s grade supplements that are only available through health care providers. Most of these supplements are available for over the counter purchase, however, I would suggest seeking a professional opinion if your initial direction does not give you the response you were looking for. Unfortunately, different types of Candida respond differently to different types of anti-fungals. Some Candida will be killed of with Grapefruit Seed Extract, while others will not respond. Fortunately Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories offers a precise stool test kit that tests the exact type of Candida found in a stool sample for biological sensitivity to both natural substances and western anti-fungal drugs. Also, knowing the levels of Candida at the beginning of a healing journey can help judge the effectiveness of the therapy.
]]>According to Ancient Chinese Medicine there are several different types of Psoriasis, and several different types of eczema and dermatitis as well. In this article we will focus on Psoriasis, however eczema alternative care is very similar and according to Oriental Medical Theory the basic symptoms fit into similar categories.
Psoriasis Alternative Care – An Oriental Medical View
Here we will break up Psoriasis into three basic categories, which themselves are made up of shared patterns of symptoms according to traditional theory. You will notice that the symptoms are dramatically different. The theory of Oriental Medicine holds these groupings as Tendencies. Certain individuals may show symptoms from more than one category and rarely does an individual demonstrate all symptoms within a single category. Keep in mind also that this is an introductory and incomplete list of the several different types of aetiologies and diagnoses.
]]> Type one is typically seen in weak or elderly patients who may be thin, undernourished, of frail constitution, or who tire easily. In this type of patient the digestive system or lungs may be weak or compromised in some fashion. Consequently there may be patterns of asthma, respiratory allergies, sinus problems, digestive discomforts, or more severe disorders such as IBS, crohnes, and chronic fatigue syndrome.The second type of psoriasis is usually seen in individuals with high stress levels, and those dealing with anger, type A personalities. These presentations have more to do with the liver organ system and therefore often present together with those who consume large amounts of alcohol, tobacco, sugar, coffee, and other medications and drugs. Other accompanying symptoms could be: Heat, migraines, high blood pressure, shoulder and neck tension, red itchy eyes, allergies, history of stroke, cramps, spasms, ticks, and PMS.
The third type of psoriasis manifests in those who consume large amounts of fried foods, gooey, heavy, creamy foods, sugar, and those who live in damp, tropical environments. These individuals may or may not be overweight, but usually have sluggish metabolism and sluggish energy levels. Sometimes these patients will test positive for harmful bacterias, yeasts, and will often feel lethargic, heavy, have frontal headaches, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, foggy thinking, and strong body oders.
Psoriasis Alternative Views For Causes
As with all chronic skin ailments, the body is communicating that either it is lacking something, or it is getting too much of a good or bad thing. Perhaps there is a deficiency of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, or amino acids. Perhaps it is lacking energy and needs a boost from herbs, a proper diet and acupuncture. It is also possible that the system may be clogged and overloaded with excess fats, cholesterol, and toxins which can effect the liver, large intestines, spleen, stomach, kidneys, and each of their functions in a variety of ways.
As you can see from the above examples, there are many, many reasons that someone could present with skin disorders. The intention of this article is not to provide concrete answers and diagnoses for individuals looking for a solution, because the above list contains only a few of many patterns that can cause skin disease. Rather, this article is intended to help the reader recognize that there are a wide variety of disharmonies that can create skin problems, and there are a wide variety of disorders that can combine with one another to create very complex cases. Each person is totally unique and will have different causes and different remedies. The job of a good physician is to investigate, and to flexibly move with the illness as it shifts through different phases of its healing process. With Chinese medicine, the practitioner will do his best to address all the given imbalances with herbs, acupuncture, and dietary education as the symptoms present.
Many times the body has a specific order that it needs to be treated in if there is more than one imbalance occurring at a time, (which there usually is). Here again, the job of the physician is to know the traditional rules that may apply to the order of treatment, and then to be open-minded and listen to the responses of the patient’s body. It is not un-common that one patient will require that the doctor experiment with the order and combinations of several subtly differing diagnoses and treatment plans before finding the exact order that the individual’s body is asking to be treated in.
In Summary – Alternative Care for Chronic Disease:
The purpose of this article is to say that there is a way to shift and transform anything… with patience, dedication, trust, commitment, self-love, and the knowing that anything can be healed if we are diligent in the study of ourselves. In the process of seeking a cure for any ailment, the patient is set out on a journey. It is a journey of exploration, of open-mindedness, of intuitive development, and of examining the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of one’s life.
On this journey of healing, the symptoms are your guide. Observe all of your symptoms with compassion and awareness. Watch what you eat, what emotions you carry in your body, and what environments you expose yourself to and learn how these factors affect your symptoms. If you are suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis, you will be able to watch these factors affect your skin first hand. This is a blessing that is not shared with most diseases. Know that you can and will recover if you stay on this path long enough. Also realize that you never know when and where relief will come from, but it will come.
]]>The first step to helping our children is to realize that they are in a horrible situation and that they are not “ill.” We are raising our children in an unbalanced world. They are the result of the problem, not the problem itself. Granted, 10% of children diagnosed with ADHD truly need medical intervention. The rest, in my experience, need patients and an understanding that the body, our environment, and our attention span are all interconnected. What we feed ourselves affects our reality. Where we live plays a role in our health.
]]> Chinese Herbs – A starting place for Treating ADHDChinese Herbs can play a significant role in treating Attention Deficit Disorder as they are very powerful, and can help bring children into balance. Believe it or not the diet DOES EFFECT BEHAVIOR. The difficulty is that there is not currently, and will never be a children’s “ADHD” Chinese Herbal Formula. Chinese herbs are a very precise science based on an individual's complex pattern of symptoms, which is different from patient to patient. While Chinese herbs can play a major role in helping children gain balance in their bodies, a trained Chinese Herbalist is needed to prescribe and guide the child through the healing process.
I would avoid using bulk Chinese herbs, but rather would move towards pilled form for children. Chinese bulk herbs taste bad, and for most children drinking them is not a pleasurable act. Most Chinese patent “pill” extracts are the best first line of defense for treating ADHD. If the acupuncturist has had training in pediatric medicine, acupuncture is just as powerful as the herbs and acts more quickly. If you are thinking, “My child will never get acupuncture, they’re scared scarred of needles” then the best first step is for you as a parent to get acupuncture. It has not been my experience that children are scared of acupuncture. It is my experience that parents are scared for their children and the children then get scared.
If you are in a town without an Oriental Medical Physician, I have seen great results from naturopaths and homeopathy as well. The most important step is not to view your child as ill. Breathe and realize that everything will be all right. The number of famous individuals and geniuses that were ADHD as a child is a remarkable list. Don’t forget that Einstein himself was ADHD. It is not a disease, it is a gift that needs patients to learn how to master. Children that are ADHD see the world from a slightly different angle than the rest of the children. I not only listened to what the teacher said (They never thought I was listening, but I was), I saw what all of the other kids were doing as well. This way of viewing the world provides for insights that lead to inventions and out of the box thinking. But granted, a hyperactive kid is difficult to be around and for their own future they do need to find balance. Chinese Herbs are a great start for Attention Deficit Disorder and can definitely help control the hyperactivity while nourishing children's bodies on a deep level. The same type of deep nourishing can not be expected with stimulating drugs and anti-seizure medication.
Martial arts helps adhd kids:
In China and Japan, children that are hyperactive are sent to study Martial arts. The master teachers give them exercises to breath, slow down, and learn to focus their attention. In this way martial arts are also a great treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Chinese Herbs and Attention Deficit Disorder: In Summary
Areas to focus:
Chinese Herbs will act as a powerful starting point and can definitely help with the symptoms of ADHD. Acupuncture can be a profound and fast acting treatment to help bring your child’s body into balance.
Diet is a key factor. Focus on a warm breakfast for your child with as much protein and as little sugar as possible. Don’t make food a battleground, but when ever possible, provide warm food with a good balance of protein and essential oils.
Make Sure your child is getting lots of exercise. Martial arts are a great avenue for learning to focus one’s attention. But for that matter, any sport with a good coach can be very beneficial.
Finally, Have patients. Breathe Deep. And know that everything will be perfect.
]]>As you may or may not know, Chinese Herbal Medicine is well over 5000 years old, and modern day Western Medicine Pharmacology is less than 80 years old (Antibiotics were discovered in 1928). While we live in a world of technology where the future is seen as the most intelligent reality, the truth is that the Chinese Medicine is built on experience. For 5000 years the medicine has witnessed disease and for 5000 years it has been modified some, but most of the Materia Medica has remained the same because it works.
I have seen patients two weeks prior to having their Thyroid gland radiated with life threatening hyperthyroid symptoms (resting hart rate of 125) recover in 2 weeks. I have seen patients with eczema all over their bodies recover in three weeks. But the truth is, in each case the result was a case of the quality of the practicing physician and the extreme dedication of the patient to their own healing process.
]]> Chinese Herbs - The Pros:The pros are significant. First, the herbs treat a large number of diseases including almost all of the diseases you can think of. From acute disease such as the flu to chronic disease, there is a formula that can be used and a desired result to be expected.
Next, within the world of Chinese Herbal Medicine, every body is seen as a whole and complete unit. If you have the flu, but you also suffer from disease "a" you will get a different formula than someone with disease "b" This is because the way the medicine is laid out each herb has a role and is placed to act specifically with the patients given symptoms. Another example, lets look at hepatitis. In hepatitis, there are many different types according to Chinese Medicine, at least 6 for hepatitis c alone. Each type has a recommended herbal combination and dietary suggestions. In this way the medicine is fully customizable.
With this breadth of effectiveness, there are also many herbs to choose from. What’s more, because the Oriental Medical Model is so different from western thought, there is never one herb used to treat one ailment alone. There are over 350 herbs, the average formula I see has at least 6 – 20 herbs in it. Each herb has a significant role in the formula and has a specific interaction with the other herbs that is expected and desired. It might be hard to believe that with a bag of 20 herbs, every herb has its place, but it’s true. There is one formula, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which I have seen used very often. For some individuals with weak digestion, this formula gives them gas. By adding a small amount of one herb, Mu Xiong, the gas and bloating is always greatly reduced. Likewise, there is an herb called Chai Hu, often times referred to as the “emotional dredge” by herbalists. When added to a formula, it definitely increases the moving of emotions in clients. It is often paired with another herb, Bai Shao to smooth this action and allow the emotions to move, but not to be overwhelming. Without the patients knowing what changes are being made in the formulas, time and time again I have them come up to me, or a physician I am observing and say, “this new formula, I am much less emotionally reactive now. Thank you,” or whatever the appropriate subtleties are being shifted. It is amazing how each herb has its place.
A few more pros before we move on. No chemicals, no harsh isolated compounds. The herb is in its original holistic and balanced form. What’s more, the waste product is bio-degradable and makes incredible compost.
Chinese Herbs – The Cons:
The cons are not as significant, but for some they can be profound. First, know your physician. Make sure that they are licensed in your state and that they have had good results. Students out of school actually know a lot and are also as good a bet as established physicians.
One con that is fairly easy to get over is the smell and the taste. Chinese herbs do not taste like heaven. Then again, have you ever eaten an aspirin? Yuck! The good news is that most people get over the taste in a few days and begin to crave the flavor. This might be hard to believe when you first taste it, but it is true, you will learn to love it
Another con is the time required in preparation. This can be mediated by the use of prepared formulas and powders, but I have always loved the bulk herbs. They are much stronger and get greater results. When cooking the bulk herbs, the smell is intense, so I tend to cook my herbs outside on an electric heating element. This prevents loved ones from rebelling,
Animal Products… The truth is, in most clinical oriental medicine, animal products are a last line of defense. The stories of rhino horns and animal genitalia are more pop culture than medical. They have been used, but I don’t see them used in most practices. All physicians will provide vegetarian versions of the formulas if requested.
Certified organic Chinese herbs are not widely available, but they are coming into more demand, and with demand comes supply.
Pros and Cons of Chinese Herbs – In summary
I use Chinese herbs every day, so I am bias. I have seen amazing things with them, and as I am trained in the field I have an eye for the medicine. For the most part I see that physicians that are well trained do an amazing job with their patients. The biggest hurdle is the discipline of the patients to take the herbs at first in order to get to the point where they get the results they are looking for. Holistic medicine is not an over night project. Most traditional herbalists will say three months to a year to get the desired results for a chronic problem. Patients is the key. If the average person knew what Chinese Herbs could do for their health issues, they would most definitely choose this direction for their healing needs. When in need of finding a licensed herbalist, contact your state acupuncture board or the NCCAOM(National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
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